A Fayre Time

The last week has seen a great deal going on at school. The pupils havebeen surveying the organisms that live around the field and have thrown up some great finds. Sand traps proved the presence of both Fox and Badger. Mistle Thrushes have been feeding on the lawn with the usual Gulls, and there were some really interesting invertibrae in the trees and bushes, including Speckled Field Cricket, Springtail and Hawthorn Shield Bug.
A trip to the Clifton and Durdham Downs provided fruitful. The meadow was in full flower, the usual Common Spotted Orchids were joined by a couple of white variations as well as some hybrids with Southern Marsh Orchid. The real gem was finally locating Bee Orchids.
The week ended with space being cleared for a wild flower meadow on the field and various insect hotels and bird feeders being erected.
A totalyy different treat was provided at today's summer fayre with a local falconer bringing birds to display. As well as provideing some superb flight displays and not-to-be-forgotten close-up encounters for the children, it also gave the adults and children some stunning photographic opportunities. Holding a Southe African Jackal Buzzard was the absolute highlight.